BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Magelona mirabilis

Researched by

Will Rayment

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

Mike Kendall

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Planktotrophic

Reproductive Season

Varies with geographic location.

Reproductive Location

Insufficient information

Reproductive frequency

Annual protracted

Regeneration potential

Life span

3-5 years

Age at reproductive maturity

Insufficient information

Generation time

1-2 years

Fecundity

Insufficient information

Egg/propagule size

Insufficient information

Fertilization type

External

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	>10km	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage	Insufficient information

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Reproductive data concerning Magelona mirabilis is scarce (Fiege et al., 2000). The data that is available suggests that the reproductive period in Magelona mirabilis varies with geographic location and the breeding season of many polychaetes is known to vary with latitude. Fiege et al. (2000) reported males with sperm masses in St. Andrews, Scotland, in March and females with eggs in Berwick-upon-Tweed in March whilst egg bearing females in Lancieux, France, were recorded in May.
It is generally agreed that Magelona mirabilis displays characteristics typical of an r-selected species, i.e. rapid reproduction, short life span and high dispersal potential (Krönke, 1990; Niermann et al., 1990), and is characteristic of shallow, disturbed, non-successional habitats (M. Kendall, pers. comm.).

Reproduction References

Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Fiege et al., 2000, Kuhl, 1972, Probert, 1981, Bosselmann, 1989, Kröncke, 1990, Niermann et al., 1990,